|  | 8.5 | Server Administration
| 8.5.1 | Peer-to-peer
There are two types of networks that network administrators need to be aware of. The two types are peer-to-peer and client-server networks. The peer-to-peer network is also known as a workgroup network. It is designed for small numbers of workstations; Microsoft recommends no more that ten users in a peer-to-peer network. Advantages of a peer-to-peer network are that it is cheaper to create and operate than a client-server network, it allows users to control their own resources, it does not require a dedicated server, and that no additional software is required, besides a suitable operation system. The disadvantages include, no central point of management is provided and each user must create ID's for each user that shares resources on their machine. Each time a user changes a password, all passwords on shared resources must be changed individually. If a shared workstation is turned off or otherwise unavailable, those resources are not available. The last disadvantage was mentioned before, that is if there are more than ten users or if the network will grow to more than ten users in the next year, a peer-to-peer network is not a good choice. Examples of peer-to-peer operating systems are Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, Windows 98, and LANtastic.
| Web Links
| Setting up a Peer-to-Peer Network
| Setting up a Peer-to-Peer Network without a Hub